COPING WITH RA
Dealing with a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging. Feelings and emotions can interfere with the ability to cope with symptoms, limitations, and the ups and downs that go along with having RA. Learn to identify some common issues that people face with RA:
- Fear: Fears of death, loss of function, dependence on others, or of the day to day symptoms are part of the coping process.
- Anxiety: People with chronic diseases like RA may often become anxious regarding the uncertainty in both their short term and long term outcomes regarding the disease itself as well as life in general.
- Isolation: RA can create social barriers when patients become hesitant to be around others when they face daily challenges with pain and stiffness. Also, because of fatigue or limits in function, they may not want to participate in group activities that put the spotlight on their condition.
- Anger: Some people may feel anger towards RA or with life in general when they cannot participate in the day to day activities they would normally enjoy. They may feel that RA has taken something from them.
- Discouragement: especially when RA has flare-ups or is difficult to control, people may become frustrated or feel hopeless when there is a lot of pain, or simple tasks take excessive effort. Feelings of discouragement may occur if people start to feel that they will not get better.
- Depression: Chronic diseases can affect a person’s happiness to different degrees. Some people may have occasional feelings of sadness when they are reminded about RA, while others may have terrible depression that makes them unable to manage their daily tasks. They may develop unhealthy thoughts related to their depressed moods, which can be dangerous.
If you recognize that you are having trouble coping with feelings related to your RA, it is important to take immediate action:
- Your healthcare team should include mental health experts and RA peer groups so that you have an outlet to share your thoughts and discuss solutions.
- For depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances that create unhealthy thoughts or dysfunctional habits where you cannot cope with normal living, see your primary care doctor immediately. Discuss medications, structured “talk therapy”, and a referral to see a psychiatric specialist.
- Maintain a support network of trusted friends and family members to help you stay positive and keep an eye on you.
Other Topics That Interest You
